Redknapp turned down Newcastle

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has admitted that he turned down the chance to become Newcastle manager in January.

Redknapp was set to join Newcastle, but had a late change of heart.

The former West Ham and Portsmouth boss is impressed by the impact Joe Kinnear has had at St James’ Park.

Redknapp said: “I was absolutely nailed on to go at one time, I had really made up my mind to go. On the Friday night I was going to go.

“I went out with my wife and Frank Lampard Senior and his wife Pat for dinner, and I sat down and we had a chat. I just decided I was happy where I was at the time.”

He added: “When the Spurs job came, I thought ‘I’ve turned it down once’ and had heard people say I didn’t want to take a challenge on and didn’t want to manage a big club.

“That irritates you because I’ve always taken on challenges at struggling clubs.

“I thought, ‘Well, this is my last chance to manage a big club’, so I had to take it.

“I have always taken challenges on. Who else would be stupid enough to leave Portsmouth for Southampton and then go back again?”

Redknapp said: “At the time I was surprised when he got the job, everybody was surprised,”

“But Joe has proved what you can do if you know what you are doing.

“He has gone in there with a bit of common sense, got on with the job and he’s turned it around.

“They have got good players and I would love to see Joe get the job permanently.”

[Source: The Sun]